From when it was shocking to see the mere glimpse of a stocking to the flapper era, this talk draws the attention to the amazing changes in fashion.

One of Cavalcade's first parades
- gowns range from c1872 to c1930

The Cavalcade Collection tells the story of Australian history through fashion, using authentic gowns and accessories, spanning the years from pre-First Fleet circa 1788 to the present. The collection has over 1200 authentic historic ladies gowns and accessories, men’s and children’s clothes, and household items – all of which have been generously donated.

All items in our collection have been generously donated to Cavalcade. The fact that the group is run entirely by volunteers, convinces donors to entrust their treasures to us. Since our first parades in the early 1960s, audiences have been inspired to look in their bottom drawers, attics and trunks donate family heirlooms and past treasures to Cavalcade, creating the extensive collection owned by Cavalcade today.

When a donation is received, the history of the original owner is recorded, and the gown is named after the original owner/wearer. Cavalcade will then research the relevant history of the period and incorporate this into the collection and subsequent parades, talks and exhibitions.

View the Collection...

Preparing for a Cavalcade parade

All members of Cavalcade are voluntary and give freely of their valuable time.

The Cavalcade group was formed in 1962, and is a non-profit voluntary incorporated association; it is the custodian of an extensive historic collection of approximately 1200 authentic gowns and several thousand accessories, representing the late 1700’s through to the present.

Cavalcade is dedicated to preserving the collection, which portrays the rich cultural heritage of Australia and the influences on the lives of women, and their families, from the earliest days of the colony. The collection provides a wonderful learning experience both in textile and Australian social history topics. Whilst part of the collection was made in England and Europe, most were worn by women who immigrated to Australia.

Based in Ku-ring-gai, Cavalcade aims to properly manage the collection as a valuable / non-renewable cultural asset that will be preserved, yet accessible to the community, well into the future. As such Cavalcade are dedicating our energies to securing a permanent home for the collection, in the form a of a Resource Centre where members of the public can view our unique collection and participate in a range of educational opportunities in the area of fashion, textiles and social history.

To support the work of Cavalcade, a “Friends of Cavalcade” group has been established and new supporters will be given a very warm welcome, invitation to special functions and a Newsletter.

Become a Friend of Cavalcade...

Go to top